Dog Food Portion Calculator
Calculate daily food portions for your dog based on weight, activity level, and life stage.
What is Dog Food Portion Calculator?
The dog food portion calculator uses Resting Energy Requirement (RER) and a multiplier for life stage and activity to estimate daily caloric needs.
Formula
RER = 70 × weight_kg^0.75. DER = RER × life-stage factor × activity multiplier.
Worked example
50-lb adult, moderate activity: 22.7 kg → RER 678 kcal → DER 1085 kcal. At 350 kcal/cup: ~3.1 cups/day, 1.55 per meal.
How to use this calculator
- Enter weight, activity, life stage.
- Check your food bag for calories per cup (typically 350–450).
- Daily portion appears.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a substitute for vet advice?
No — these are starting estimates. Adjust based on body condition (rib visibility, waist), and consult your vet for medical conditions.
How often should I feed?
Adult dogs: twice daily. Puppies under 4 months: 4 meals. 4–6 months: 3 meals. 6+ months: 2 meals. Consistency matters more than exact count.
Can I free-feed?
Generally not recommended — most dogs overeat. Scheduled meals improve weight management and house training.
What if my dog is overweight?
Use ideal weight (not current) in the calculator, plus reduce by 10–15%. Slow weight loss (1–2% per week) is healthiest.